Growing strong with natural vitamin E for children

Childhood nutrition sets the stage for growth, development, and lifelong health, and natural vitamin E for children plays a crucial role in this early dietary foundation.

D-Alpha-Tocopherol, also known as RRR-Alpha-Tocopherol, is the natural form of vitamin E and stands out as the most bioactive antioxidant among the tocopherol group.

Human infants enter the world with limited reserves of vitamin E, underscoring the need for a prompt intake of this essential nutrient shortly after birth. As a fat-soluble antioxidant, natural vitamin E for children is pivotal not only for its cellular protection but also for supporting immune function, aiding in neurological development, and enhancing the absorption of other vital nutrients.

How natural vitamin E for children boosts health

Antioxidant properties

Vitamin E neutralizes harmful free radicals “increased due to rapid growth and elevated metabolic rates”, protecting developing cells and tissues from oxidative damage.

Immune system support

When the immune system is still developing, vitamin E improves T-cell-mediated immune responses by promoting T-cell proliferation, differentiation, and the expression of T-cell receptor signaling molecules [1,2].

Neurological development

Vitamin E supports cognitive development by protecting nerve cells and promoting healthy neural structure development. Insufficient intake may lead to deficiencies, potentially resulting in spinocerebellar ataxia degeneration [3].

Prevention of hemolytic anemia

Vitamin E safeguards red blood cells from premature apoptosis, crucial for preventing hemolytic anemia due to immature antioxidant systems in preterm infants [4].

Improving absorption of fat-soluble vitamins

Vitamin E aids in the absorption of essential fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, and K). These vitamins are essential for bone health, blood clotting, and cellular repair [5,6].

Why natural vitamin E for children is the best ally for their well-being

D-alpha-tocopherol (natural vitamin E) is more readily recognized and utilized by the human body compared to its synthetic counterpart, DL-alpha-tocopherol, owing to differences in their molecular structures. The natural form boasts greater potency and biological activity, leading to more effective retention in the body.

It may interest you: Unlocking the Superiority of Natural Vitamin E

A recent study found that babies’ brains ‘prefer’ natural vitamin E over the synthetic version: brain areas linked to vision, memory, and language absorb higher concentrations of D-alpha-tocopherol [7].

Breast milk, loaded with D-alpha-tocopherol, is the top choice for babies, offering balanced nutrition and a boost to their immune system.

However, when breastfeeding isn’t an option, or only partially possible, carefully designed infant formulas step in. These formulas aim to mimic breast milk as closely as possible, providing all the essential nutrients for baby’s growth and development. Fortifying these formulas ensures babies get enough of this vital nutrient. But the type of vitamin E matters —a natural one is better than synthetic for their nutritional value.

Recommended intake and safety of vitamin E for children

The Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies (NDA) set Adequate Intakes (AIs) in 2015 based on the amount of vitamin E that healthy people typically get from their diets without showing signs of deficiency [8]:

• Children aged 1-3 years: 6 mg/day for both sexes.
• Children aged 3-10 years: 9 mg/day for both sexes.
• Children and adolescents aged 10-18 years: 13 mg/day for males and 11 mg/day for females.
• Infants aged 7-11 months: 5 mg/day. 

These AI values are based on dietary intake data from various European populations and aim to prevent α-tocopherol deficiency.

On the other hand, exceeding a recommended daily intake of vitamin E is related to an increased risk of impaired blood coagulation and bleeding. The European Food Safety Authority established in 2024 a tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL) for vitamin E, which is the highest level of daily intake that is unlikely to cause adverse health effects in the general population [9]: 

• Infants 4–6 months: 50 mg/day
• Infants 7–11 months: 60 mg/day
• Children 1–3 years: 100 mg/day
• Children 4–6 years: 120 mg/day
• Children 7–10 years: 160 mg/day
• Children 11–14 years: 220 mg/day
• Adolescents 15–17 years: 260 mg/day

Incorporating natural vitamin E into baby food and child nutrition

Human infants are born with limited vitamin E reserves, so early intake is crucial. Breast milk naturally contains the most bioavailable form of vitamin E, which helps protect infants [10]. When breastfeeding is not possible, infant formulas fortified with natural vitamin E are designed to mimic breast milk’s nutritional profile and ensure adequate intake.

For older infants and children, vitamin E can be incorporated through a balanced diet including nuts, seeds, vegetable oils, leafy greens, and fortified foods. There are also specialized natural vitamin E supplements designed for children to enhance their overall nutrition safely.

At BTSA, we understand the importance of good nutrition in the early stages of life, which is why we have developed Nutrabiol® E, our range of high-quality natural vitamin E for enhanced nutrition.

As we explore the numerous ways in which vitamin E benefits childhood health, it becomes clear that opting for the natural form is crucial for ensuring optimal development and strengthening the immune system from the outset. At every step towards a healthy future, proper nutritional support is essential, and Nutrabiol® E stands as a reliable ally in this important journey of infant growth and well-being.

References

1. Suardi C, Cazzaniga E, Graci S, Dongo D, Palestini P. Link between Viral Infections, Immune System, Inflammation and Diet. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. Jan 2021;18(5):2455. doi: 10.3390/ijerph18052455. 
2. Tourkochristou E, Triantos C, Mouzaki A. The Influence of Nutritional Factors on Immunological Outcomes. Front Immunol. 2021;12:665968. doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.665968.
3. Di Donato I, Bianchi S, Federico A. Ataxia with vitamin E deficiency: update of molecular diagnosis. Neurol Sci. Aug 2010;31(4):511-5. doi: 10.1007/s10072-010-0261-1.
4. Lo SS, Frank D, Hitzig WH. Vitamin E and haemolytic anaemia in premature infants. Archives of Disease in Childhood. May 1973;48(5):360-5. doi: 10.1136/adc.48.5.360. 
5. Reboul E. Vitamin E Bioavailability: Mechanisms of Intestinal Absorption in the Spotlight. Antioxidants. Dec 2017;6(4):95. doi: 10.3390/antiox6040095. 
6. National Research Council (US) Committee on Diet and Health. Diet and Health: Implications for Reducing Chronic Disease Risk [Internet]. Washington (DC): National Academies Press (US); 1989 [cited 26 mar 2024]. Available at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK218743/.
7. Stone WL, LeClair I, Ponder T, Baggs G, Reis BB. Infants discriminate between natural and synthetic vitamin E1234. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. Abr 2003;77(4):899-906. doi: 10.1093/ajcn/77.4.899
8. EFSA NDA Panel (EFSA Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies). Scientific Opinion on Dietary Reference Values for vitamin E as alpha-L-tocopherol. EFSA Journal 2015; 13(7):4149, 72 pp. doi:10.2903/j.efsa.2015.4149.
9. EFSA NDA Panel (EFSA Panel on Nutrition, Novel Foods and Food Allergens), Turck D, Bohn T, Castenmiller J, de Henauw S, Hirsch-Ernst K-I, Knutsen HK, Maciuk A, Mangelsdorf I, McArdle HJ, Pentieva K, Siani A, Thies F, Tsabouri S, Vinceti M, Traber MG, Vrolijk M, Bercovici CM, de Sesmaisons Lecarré A, Fabiani L, … Naska A. Scientific opinion on the tolerable upper intake level for vitamin E. EFSA Journal, 2024;22(8), e8953. doi:10.2903/j.efsa.2024.8953
10. Silva ALCD, Ribeiro KDDS, Melo LRM, Bezerra DF, Queiroz JLC, Lima MSR, Pires JF, Bezerra DS, Osório MM, Dimenstein R. VITAMIN E IN HUMAN MILK AND ITS RELATION TO THE NUTRITIONAL REQUIREMENT OF THE TERM NEWBORN. Rev Paul Pediatr. 2017 Apr-Jun;35(2):158-164. doi: 10.1590/1984-0462/;2017;35;2;00015.